Some people confuse Reflexology with massage, but they are two different modalities-each with its own strengths. Both, like many other therapies, such as chiropractic, osteopathy, and other somatic practices, involve the use of the hands to apply their techniques. The aim with both Reflexology and massage is to enhance the well being of the client.
| Reflexology | Massage | |
| Application | Applied to specific areas (feet & hands) to promote a response from an area far removed from the tissue stimulated via the nervous system.Only footwear comes off, as only the feet and hands are touched. | Applied to whole body, muscles and connective tissue locally for local benefit, or when applied to muscles located all over the body, benefits the entire body. All the clothing comes off, as most of the body is touched. |
| Techniques | Uses small muscle movements. Thumbs and fingers are used. | Uses large muscle movements. Hands (either opened or closed) and sometimes the feet, arms, and elbows. |
| Purpose | To improve the function of organs and glands and all systems of the body. | To improve the function of tissue directly stimulated. |
| Benefit | Total body relaxation leading to the balancing of all internal and external body systems; improving circulation via stimulation to the nervous system. | Local muscle relaxation or if the entire body is massaged then to the muscular system. Indirectly improves circulation. |
It is not necessary for Reflexology practitioners to study working on a naked body for 500 hours when all they work on are the feet and hands of a fully clothed person and 200 hour Reflexology training programs are available.
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